Many thanks to the 138 respondents for 00 and 22 for N. The figure in bold at the start of each improvement suggestion in the following tables is the actual number of votes cast (not percentages).

I think it is important to let the manufacturers know that the Poll was undertaken in the spirit of helpfulness and continuous improvement – not ‘complaint’. The comments I received support this. Two examples were:

"Everything is great right now."

Speaking with a number of retailers, it seems that many modellers nowadays have great difficulty in thinking of what can be improved – we have such a high standard from our main makers. However, the Poll has shown up some highlighted areas, and I hope the manufacturers can put these comments to good use for the benefit of all.

Way out in front is the suggestion that there needs to be an improvement with the method of coupling locos to their tenders. My own feeling here is that Bachmann’s latest offering with the 0-8-0 G2a really sums the whole thing up well – it gives a full range of adjustment from ‘display cabinet tight’ to Second Radius very simply.

Couplings have long been a source of comment, and here we see respondents clearly wishing for improvement. One said (quote): Kadee couplers are too expensive here in the UK – hindering adoption of an excellent product.

Following on the trend for lighting, respondents are seeking working loco headlamps. One that surprised me (but I can see the point) is the request for more Drivers/Firemen in different poses.

Of course, DCC is still on the up and sound and smoke are in the top selection.

Lighting comes to the fore again, with a number of people commenting on the need for constant intensity and DMU door open lights.

Running virtually equal were NEM couplings and the need for better close-coupling. Many commented on the need for couplings on the outer ends of DMUs.

Modellers want to run increasingly realistic trains, and the request for sound and user-adjustable headcodes was clear.

Still running with the coupling theme, we see the request for closer coupling with good corridor connections, reflecting modellers’ aspirations for more ‘realistic’ trains.

Lighting features high up the list again, with the request for working tail lamps.

The need for ‘better track’ has been raised before – I hope Peco pick up the gauntlet here, or someone might just beat them to it!

I recently wrote to Bachmann complimenting them on their improved exploded diagrams. However, it seems that more work needs to be put into this category by makers in general.

An almost exact reflection of OO comments in this category.

5 Un-numbered models with set of alternatives supplied.

4 Models getting too fragile. Some parts could be "strengthened". Include "spares" in packs.

4 No unsightly body seams. (Boiler)

3 Working coupling hooks. Remote DCC uncoupling.

3 Removeable coal. Less coal so that real coal can be added. Or supply with real coal.

2 More realistic weathering. Heavier.

2 Fit fall plates.

2 Improve pony truck on pacifics (Hornby leading the way).

2 Accurately set return crank on both sides, to look correct when running.

1 Couplings that are easier to uncouple.

1 Sprung buffers

1 Speedo drives to remain stationary when running (not snake about).

1 Opening smokebox door not much use without modelled interior.

1 Numbers/badges easier to remove so we can renumber/name the models.

1 Chimneys that are not solid.

1 Round wheels (to prevent wobble).

1 Use brass etching for footsteps etc to attach and not be compromised by radius of curves.

1 Improve geographical range of numbers (eg KA has Western Section, no Eastern/Central).

1 When new locos are released, include a weathered version.

1 Eliminate separate trailing trucks beneath fireboxes.

1 Paint unweathered black locos in shades of black (rather than one uniform colour).

1 Easier body removal for maintenance.

1 RP 25 profile wheels.

1 Wheels to P4 standards.

1 Better tolerance in valve gear and siderod connections to wheels.

8 All locos to be DCC ready. Slot for inserting decoder (eg like memory cards).

5 Improve all pick-ups. Plug-socket for loco to tender connection.

3 No motors in tenders.

3 Flywheel for loco and tender drives.

1 Locos with electric lighting modelled should work. Switchable DCC/DC.

1 No traction tyres.

1 Repairable motors instead of throw away items.

1 Remove dummy Ringfields.

1 Make DCC installation easier. Standard size decoder.

1 Make more locos with DCC ready fitted (particularly small locos with little space).

1 Allow room for decoders and mention max size of decoder for loco.

1 DC and DCC versions of new models (not just one or other).

7 Better quality assurance to avoid returns. Test individual locos? Improve quartering.

4 Allow spacing for EM/P4 conversion.

2 Better weight balance. Heavier.

2 Allow space behind buffer beams to screw couplings (no body fixing screws here).

2 Improve hauling power (eg M7s very light-footed).

1 Publish colour standards to allow kit built to match rtr.

1 Improve chassis etc for narrow gauge conversions.

1 High spec chassis (like Stanier 4MT) for 0-6-0 locos (eg J52, J83, Jinty etc).

1 Greater use of pre-Grouping liveries.

1 Consider making preserved locos in historic liveries (eg Leander, Bahamas).

1 Ensure no plastic parts on driving wheels (distortion, failure).

1 Ensure new models will go round Second Radius.

1 Make tenders available separately for kit-bashers, scratch-builders.

1 More availability of running chassis.

1 Use standard size axles to make conversion to fine scale easier.

1 Conversion kits like the old Crownline.

1 Middle axle only sprung, unless fully sprung.

1 Ensure locos will go over uncouplers.

1 State useable minimum radius with all parts attached.

1 Bachmann/Hornby - Easier body removal.

3 Bachmann V2 – needs new tooling. Joint venture with NRM?

3 Bachmann LN – needs new tooling. Joint venture with NRM?

2 Bachmann B1 – smooth running chassis. Upgraded.

1 Bachmann - Crosti 9F.

1 Bachmann – better worm gears.

6 Hornby - upgrade Castle. Late variant with short single chimney and curved steampipes.

4 Hornby – upgrade 28xx. Side window cab. 38xx version cab.

3 Hornby – ugrade King to Grange specs. Pony truck needs improving.

2 Hornby – 2-6-2T upgrade to superdetail. Hide motor better.

2 Hornby – update Dean Goods.

2 Hornby – improve small locos (0-6-0s). J83. 2721.

2 Hornby – ugrade Terrier.

2 Hornby – B17 loco drive required. Tender for both GN and GE variants. Sales link with National Trust (Blickling)?

1 Hornby – Duchess, improve keeper plate, brake detail, sanding pipes, bogie detail.

1 Hornby – place DCC sockets in tenders for easier access (like Bachmann).

1 Hornby MN – smokebox door, 6000gal tender bunker width and both types tumblehome.

1 Hornby Rebuilt MN/WC/BB – firebox width and upward rake.

1 Hornby – backdate WC/BB with original cab and short deflectors.

1 Hornby – SR Schools.

1 Hornby – re-issue GWR Saint with DCC loco drive. Include Star variation.

1 Hornby – upgrade 4F.

1 Hornby – upgrade re-tool 3F (on new 4F chassis).

1 Hornby – upgrade 8F.

1 Hornby – ugrade LNER 0-6-2T (condensing pipes).

1 Hornby – rebuilt Scot, improve balance, light on front.

1 Hornby – B12 update. Potential for original B12 and rebuilt B12/3 versions.

1 Hornby - Later-windowed cab for Fowler 2-6-4T.

1 Hornby – fit brake rodding.

5 DMUs/EMUs to have passengers installed.

5 Allow spacing for EM conversion.

5 DCC auto-uncouplers.

3 Corridor connections.

3 Un-numbered models with set of alternatives supplied.

2 More options of factory-weathered locos.

2 Opening doors on DMUs.

2 Improve strength of some parts.

2 Numbers/badges easier to remove so we can renumber/name the models.

2 Better interior detailing.

2 Super-detailing ready fitted (or made easier to fit)

2 Better quality wheels. P4 standards.

1 DMUs/EMUs authentic mult-coloured seating.

1 OH electric locos to have realistic working pantographs.

1 No unsightly body seams.

1 Offer weathered version DMU/EMU.

1 Separate switches for lighting at front and rear on DC models.

1 Make provision for sound speaker.

1 Forget gimmicky working fans behind gross grilles.

1 Top running speed to faster (vs slow compared to steam and earlier models).

1 Give a list of alternative numbers and names.

1 Supply additional running numbers.

1 Sprung buffers on all models.

1 Sprung axles.

1 Upgrade older models to current standards.

1 Improved detailing to 86, 87, 90 and 91 (Lights, DCC).

1 Issue Class 33/2 in original BR Green.

1 Better underfloor detail on old Lima DMUs.

1 Standardise small couplers.

1 Fume emissions..

1 Add weight to eliminate traction tyres.

1 Better weathering.

4 Big flywheels with central motors.

3 Redesign PCB/wiring to permit underfloor/fuel tank fitting of decoders. Slot for plug in decoder.

3 Improve slow running (some Bachmann DMUs noted).

2 All locos to be DCC ready.

1 5-pole skew wound motors.

1 Standardised traction/DCC bus connector.

1 DC and DCC versions of new models (not just one or other).

1 Allow room for decoders amd mention max size of decoder for loco.

1 Motors/drive units with replaceable brushes.

1 Availability of spare power bogies (and trailer coach designed for fitting one).

1 Use QSI sound chip for DCC (which enables sound to operate on DC).

2 Better quality assurance to avoid returns.

1 Allow space behind buffer beams to screw couplings (no body fixing screws here).

1 Ensure locos will go over uncouplers.

1 Pre-war London Underground stock.

1 Bachmann/Hornby – make spare headcode lenses available. Sub-contract to small firm?

2 Bachmann – Class 40, retool body.

1 Bachmann Class 108 – metal cab door handles. Remove some weight, enable full interior.

1 Bachmann – Class 25 retool body and plastic underframe.

1 Bachmann – reduce gap between body and bogies.

1 Bachmann – Deltic, a new mechanism to haul heavy train at scale 100mph.

1 Bachmann – as per prototype axle drive for Classes 37, 40, 55 and Peaks.

1 Bachmann – improve ‘Warship’.

1 Bachmann - Higher gearing for diesels (very stately top speed).

1 Heljan – improve Class 33/0 with correct roof profile and front end windows.

1 Heljan - Western front end disappointing.

4 Hornby Class 86 – improve pantographs, lights, handrails, etc. More weight. All-wheel drive.

3 Hornby Class 90 – improve pantographs, lights, handrails, etc. All-wheel drive. Wheelbase.

2 Hornby Class 101 - revise underfloor detail. Finer scale.

1 Hornby – update 142 and 156.

1 Hornby – produce Class 117 as Class 116.

1 Hornby – GWR railcar in early BR livery.

1 Hornby – upgrade GWR railcar to 2-unit version.

1 Hornby – develop SR coaches to early electric set.

1 Hornby - Class 73, improve hauling power.

1 Hornby Class 87 – upgrade .

1 Hornby Class 92 – upgrade.

1 Hornby – Western, upgrade. Correct bogies, brake gear, coupling pockets, and motor/final drive.

12 Coaches easier to dismantle and re-assemble. (For fitting passengers.)

6 More realistic weathering (inc roofs). Wood finish wagon floors. Heavy on Pcls stock.

3 Better variety (eg suburban and non-corridor). A finer version of the old Dapol lav comp.

2 Coaches/Parcels van with opening doors (a la Hornby van).

2 Numbers/badges easier to remove so we can renumber/name the models. Additional numbers.

2 Better Mk4 coaches.

1 Upgrade Mk3 coaches.

1 Upgraded M2 air con coaches.

1 Weighting to NMRA standards for better tracking.

1 Half open window to allow figure to hang out.

1 Ensure correct chassis is used, not a generic one.

1 Coloured seating.

1 Eliminate glue-stained windows.

1 Seating that figures can be seated upon.

1 Improve/provide coach headboards. Sell these as spares Like HD used to).

1 Reduce width of mould recess between carriage doors and sides.

1 Some coaches wobble – design fault?

3 Ensure wheelbase is 9ft (instead of using 10ft). Especially PO wagons. Dapol noted. Decent lettering needed.

2 More weathered wagons/brake vans. PO wagons noted as "too shiny".

2 Alternative number pack with each item. Say six numbers for wagons.

1 Eliminate poorly-aligned separate fittings.

1 Backdate Sealions/Seacows to early 60s spec.

1 Avoid wagon bodies that flex inwards.

1 Smaller runs with different TOPS numbers – when building rakes.

1 Make wagons easier to dismantle – screws instaed of clip fit or rivets.

1 More wagons with removeable loads.

1 Print solebar details on wagons.

1 Make wagons easier to dismantle – screws instead of clip fit or rivets.

1 Correct scale coal in coak wagons.

1 Hopper wagons to appropriate period.

1 Separate brake levers for wagons.

1 DCC remote uncoupling for brake vans.

1 Need a Brake Van that is not an amalgam of various diagrams.

1 Improve "free running".

1 Allow space behind buffer beams to screw couplings (no body fixing screws here).

1 Include instructions on how to dissassemble coaches.

1 More weight in goods wagons.

1 Open wagons – show outline of side doors on the inside.

4 Axleboxes to take 26mm pinpoint axles for conversion to EM/P4.

3 More realistic and to scale running gear. Working suspension.

3 Metal wheels. Better wheels. P4 standards.

2 Sprung buffers. Turned.

6 Bachmann – upgrade Bulleid coaches.

4 Bachmann – Thompsons upgrade (flush windows, modern underframe, correct roof profile.)

3 Bachmann - Flush glaze Collett coaches. Upgrade generally.

1 Bachmann – Mk1 stock to lose roof ridges (welded seams).

1 Bachmann – LMS 57ft corridor compo in BR livery.

1 Bachmann – ugrade BR non-corridor stock.

1 Dapol ? - Upgrade Ex-Wrenn Horsebox.

2 Hornby – improve Mk3s. Bring up to standard of Pullmans.

2 Hornby – re-tool Gresley stock with correct tumblehome. Plus improved maroon finish.

2 Hornby – upgrade Bogie Utility van.

1 Hornby - eliminate old Lima-style couplings.

1 Hornby – upgrade GWR Centenary stock.

1 Hornby – general upgrade of the 12-wheel Dining Car.

1 Hornby Mk2s – folding doors painted red. Windows added (like Bachmann). Flush glazing.

1 Hornby Mk2ds – upgrade.

1 Hornby Mk4s – Flush glazing, end fairings, mods as per Mallard refurbishmnet.

1 Hornby – issue Maunsells in Carmine/Cream.

1 Hornby – upgrade Collet coaches to super-detail.

1 Hornby – Lima CCT corrected chassis, correct wheels.

1 Hornby – make some GWR/WR coaches that look like they ran on the GWR/WR.

1 Hornby – HD Grain Wagon, retool onnew chassis (BR diagram 1/271 or 1/275).

1 Hornby – upgrade postal stock.

1 Hornby – Bogie B van.

5 Packaging to allow factory-fitting of small delicate parts. Ie easier to get product out without damage.

1 List when NEM couplings are fitted.

1 Stronger boxes (like HD 3-rail).

1 Hornby – non-crushable packs please.

1 More info on loco history when purchased (ie on boxes).

1 Comprehensive instructions about decoder and sound fitting, and DC accessories for DCC.

1 Avoid boxes with slits in end flaps which tear.

2 Produce EM/P4 track to allow people to get out of OO straight-jacket. Min 3ft rad turnouts.

2 Increase standard radii (5th, 6th, 7th etc).

1 Peco – replace plastic guide rails with metal on points.

1 Properly designed uncoupling track to work with standard height couplings.

1 Improved level crossing inserts to enable inset track (dockyards etc).

1 Track – quote radii of curves as well as First, Second etc.

1 Bullhead track.

1 Longer radius points.

1 Upgrade track to P4 standards.

1 An effective, reliable, realistic stretcher bar for use with finescale hand-made track.

2 Ability to order parts on line.

1 Set up regional service centres with appropriate training.

1 Indicate if blind holes require body removal.

1 Availability of NEM sockets as separate items. And holders for NEM sockets.

1 Spare bodies, tenders etc.

2 Affordable, decent turntable.

2 OHLE catenary.

1 Produce people to put in coaches.

1 Easy to use magnetic 3-link screw coupling.

1 Produce a longer than current Rolling Road for all wheel drive locos.

1 Offer a hinged-track arrangement for doorways.

6 Catalogues – correctly indicate region/time in livery. (Hornby 1981 was good.)

2 Realistic release dates (for models).

2 Proof-check printed materials using knowlegeable persons.

1 Stay portrait. Improve contextual descriptions.

1 Meaningful numbering system.

1 On line with email updates free (similar to Hatton’s)

1 Dates when items appeared as produced.

1 DVD with catalogue showing locos being used (good for live steam).

1 Use the web to gauge interest in new models.

1 Full servicing literature on line.

1 Monthly maker’s emails on production and delivery.

1 Last up-dated text on web pages with service sheets.

1 List of issued service sheets (with hyperlinks) on a single web page.

1 Makers websites to include where spares can be obtained.

1 Non DCC controllers that work properly instead of all or nothing.

1 In DCC, use same function button to control the same function on all sound-equipped locos.

1 Offer plug-in electrical contacts that work easily.

1 Radio (not infra red) DCC control.

1 Coach LED lighting kits from the big makers. (PCB ‘links’ for battery, DC and DCC AC track).

1 Road vehicles – quote introduction dates on packaging.

1 Non location specific resin signal box and station buildings.

1 Backscenes without vehicles. Provide stickers for different eras.

1 Broad range of plastic kit buildings (like USA).

1 Good quality resin/plastic mouldings for pavements for townscapes.

1 Brick/stone sheets with patterns designed to make invisible joints.

1 A more modern station (opposed to the older ones currently available).

1 church which looks like a church (west tower, nave, aisles, chancel. Style to look correct.

1 Bachmann – learn to use the apostrophe and use it correctly.

1 Hornby/Bachmann – longer product runs of railway buildings.

1 Bachmann – availability of close-coupler bars.

1 Hornby – redesign turntable.

1 Hornby – less "toy town" track plans.

1 Hornby – 25kv ohead equipment shown in National Express East Coast adverts.

1 Hornby - Skaledale – more modern buildings.

1 Hornby – make chimney of LBSCR brake van available as spare.

1 Hornby – SWB tankers, spare filler caps (all colours), combined ladders, criss-cross strapping.

3 DCC ready.

2 See-through wheels, realistic body detailing.

2 Farish use Jubilee chassis for an updated Castle Class with new body, plus wheels 0.5".

2 Improve traction (as per continental models)

1 Fewer "limited editions". Cater more for modellers – not collectors.

1 Bring older models up to present day standards.

1 Improve Dapol driving wheels – become loose.

1 Pass power through tender drawbar – not wires.

1 Farish new body and chassis for Hall Class.

1 Better loco to tender coupling.

1 Farish A3 – scale wheels.

1 Farish A4 – scale wheels.

1 Cab windows – eg Peco.

1 Farish – fit complete safety valve dome. Not top half only.

1 DCC lights, sound, uncoupling.

1 DC lights, sound, uncoupling.

1 Don’t forget the Green diesels.

1 Southern Electric, please.

1 Improve Farish Class 20 gears.

1 Improve Class 25 body and chassis.

1 Improve Class 31 body and chassis.

1 Farish Class 158 – upgrade cab ends, install lighting.

1 Fraish Class 170 – install lighting and end couplers.

1 More 80s/pre-privatisation liveries.

1 Better bodywork detail.

1 Illuminated marker lights.

1 Etched roof grilles on Farish Class 66 to match Dapol.

1 DCC lights, sound, uncoupling.

1 DC lights, sound, uncoupling.

1 Un-numbered versions with separate transfers included.

1 At least two traction tyres on centre drivers. Better quality rubber.

1 Less "novelty" PO wagons.

1 Test all rolling stock on complex test layout.

1 More wagon designs/liveries needed (Peco mentioned).

1 Unpainted shells for scratch-builders.

1 Farish GUVs in crimson and later maroon livery.

1 Scale wheels.

1 Ladders on freight stock to be metal not plastic.

1 Improve Farish wagon wheels.

1 More weathered versions.

1 More van variety (eg cider areas).

1 Short history – locations seen, dates etc.

1 Farish – interiors for Mk1s for upgrading old stock.

1 Provide information to enable prototype train formations.

1 Make major components available for scratch-builders.

1 Make Peco points less susceptible to warping.

1 Make DCC an option rather DC users paying extra.

1 An N gauge version of Easi-Track by the N gauge Society would be nice.

1 Listen to customers when products are defective.

1 Better starter sets for youth – modern traction dmu, station, track. Play value.

1 Better catalogues with symbols denoting technical features of models (eg Fleischmann).

1 DCC installation explained in retail boxes.

1 DCC sound, lighting and uncoupling mentioned on retail boxes.

1 More coherent and better websites for the major manufacturers.